Alexander DEECKE, Rafael KAWECKI

Siemens AG, Power and Gas, Instrumentation and Electrical

doi:10.15199/48.2015.10.12

Usage of existing power plants as synchronous condenser

Abstract. Due to the continuously increasing amount of renewable energy being generated and the simultaneous reduction in rotating masses, the
demand for grid-stabilizing measures is growing. To solve the problem different possibilities are known, one of them is the reuse of fossile power
generation units as synchronous condenser. The article presents experiences and challenges from last projects and shows available solutions for
existing power plants.

Streszczenie Przy rozproszonym wytwarzaniu energii istnieje potrzeba wyrwnywania rnych moliwoci rde energii. Jedn z moliwoci jest
wykorzystanie generatorw tradycyjnych jako synchronicznych kondenserw. Artyku przedstawia przykady eksperymentw. Wykorzystanie
istniejcych elektrowni jako synchronicznych kondenserw

Keywords: Synchronous condenser, synchronous generator, reactive power, modernization.

Keywords: synchroniczny condenser, generator synchroniczny, moc bierna.

Introduction Specially reuse of existing units is becoming more and

Due to the continuously increasing amount of renewable more interesting for power plant owners at the end of the
energy being generated, increased transit of energy lifecyce of generating units. Instead of closing the unit it can
between countries and the simultaneous reduction in be converted to a synchronous condenser and thus
rotating masses, the stability of the transmission grid can be contribute to the transmission grid stability and as side
affected. Thus the demand for grid-stabilizing measures is effect it allows usage of existing assets, like generator and
growing. building, with just optimized investment costs.
Rotating synchronous machines can generate leading
and lagging reactive power and contribute to the
stabilization of the transmission grid voltage. Thus retiring a
conventional power generation unit can create a deficit in n
io
t
reactive power that directly affects the transmission grid ra
e
n
voltage stability and reliability. e
g
n r
Every power plant approaches one day the end of their o
ti
e
a w
operational life and power plant owners face a challenging r
e
o
p
p e
decision of retiring the plant or, as alternative, upgrading the o
r v
it
e c
power plant to synchronous condenser. s
n a
e
e R
d
n
Stability and reliability of the grid o
c
s
In order to avoid any voltage disturbances and enough u
o Active pow er
n
tranmissions capacity a stable and reliable grid with. ro
h
n
io
c t
continous local regulation of reactive power is requested. n
y rp
S o
This critical task is supported by conventional power plants s
b
a
with synchronous generators. r
e
w
For the rated transmision of active power in the line no o
p
additional reactive power is required. In case more active e
v
ti
power shall be transported, like in German transmission line c
a
e
after installation of wind turbines in norther part of the R
country, transmission line will require increased reactive
power. It is specially critical for the redundant power lines Fig 1. Generator operating diagramm
(n-1), when one of them shall take over the capacity of the
other one. As an example a upgrade of the nuclear power plant
On the other side regulation of the reactive power Biblis A [1] to a synchronous condenser shall be mentioned.
supports the voltage stability in the grid.

Available solutions
To solve the problem of stability and realibility in the grid
a regulation of the reactive power needs to be planned and
implemented accordingly. Rotating synchronous
condensers generate leading and lagging reactive power
(Fig. 1), short circuit capacity, and thus play a key role in
stabilizing the voltage and increasing the active power and
short circuit capacity in the transmission grid. To realize this
either a new synchronous condenser can be built or instead
of shutting down decommissioned power plants, it is
possible to continue economical operation by utilizing the
generator as a synchronous condenser. In such case the
generator is reconfigured for stand-alone functionality with Fig 2. Connection of synchronous condenser to the existing grid
inductive as well as capacitive reactive power.

64 PRZEGLD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 91 NR 10/2015

Conversion steps
Conversion of convensional generating unit into
synchronous condenser is done in three main steps:
feasibility study
mechanical works on the turbine and generator
eletrical works on generator and auxiliary systems
Further above mentioned works will be described more
detailed.
Feasibility study
In the study existing componets are investigated
specially in regards to the mechanical reconstruction as well
as new components are choosen.
The start-up procedure needs to be investigated from
the mechanical and electrical point of view. All necessary
parameters, like initial acceleration power and run-up time,
needs to be calculated or rechecked. Existing generator
cannot work in any critical conditions, e.g. in regards to
heating of the stator ruding startup.
The extension of the lifespan of existing devices needs
to be checked and coordinated with optional modernization
of affected components accordingly. E.g. modernization of
excitation system can be realized in the same time as
convertion to synchronous condenser.
Electrical works
As second step some electrical changes on the unit
need to be completed. Depending on the age and function
of installed components either just reconfiguration or
complete new installation of the systems need to done.
Following components needs to be included in the
works (Fig. 5):
installation of start-up frequency converter (SFC)
installation of transformers for SFC
installation of medium voltage (MV) switchgear
modification of generator protection and
synchronizer
modification of excitation equipment
modification / connection to generator bus duct
installation of Is-limiter or short current limiter
reactor (option)
electrical installation (cabling) and modification
works

Mechnical works
As the turbine is not needed anymore, during this step
turbine is decoupled from the generator. The connection
needs to be replaced by shaft extension and bearing (see
Fig. 4) for the stability reasons. The connection can howe-
ver remain if the synchronous condeners operating mode is
used just temporarily, e.g. only during the weekend. A
connection via a clutch is also optionaly possible.
During this stage also other components, like oil spply
systems and foundation, needs to be checked and if
necessary adapted to the new operating mode.
As the turbine is not connected anymore to the
generator a new startup system needs to be designed and
implemented. In most of the cases a simple pony motor with
start-up Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) can take over the
function. Figure 2 shows example of such connection as
realized in one of the projects in Germany.

Fig. 5. Scope of electrical works

During this part of works most of the components can be

Fig 3. New mechanical components
reused and thus initial investment is limited just to
necessary modifications. In case the component can be
reused, e.g. generator protection system, the
parameterization needs to be checked and reconfigured
according to new operating range of the generator.

Fig. 4. Bearing support with bearing (left) and typical shaft
extension (right)
Startup
SFC is used to start-up the generator similar as it is
realized in units with gas turbines. The difference, in most of
the cases, is the fact that SFC brings the generator to over
rated speed without the turbine. The SFC is protected by
an Is limiter (current limiter). The power supply for SFC is
fed from the grid. After the overspeed is achieved the SFC

PRZEGLD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 91 NR 10/2015 65

is switched off and generator can be synchronized with the
grid during the coast down to synchronous speed.
In order however to start the process generator needs to
speed up first to about 10% of rated speed. This enables
the identification of the rotor position and later correct start-
up process.
Optionaly after the synchronous speed is achieved the
SFC can be switched off and the generator can be
synchronized with the grid if a fast switch-over device is
installed.
During the start-up process some of the functions of the
generator protection and excitation system are switched off
and work with different paramters. E.g. the under frequency
protection is switch off.
Normal operation
After generator was connected to the grid, normal
operation of the synchronous condenser can be started.
The regulation of the reactive power is realized over the
setting of the unit transformer and by regulation of the
excitation system.
Synchronous condenser reacts automatically on
changes in the grid voltage. E.g. in case the grid voltage
increases the unit decreases export of the reactive power to
the grid.
Many different studies and reports [2, 3, 4] show that
such regulation of reactive power gives the maximum of
necessary flexibility in regulation and thus in stability and
reliability of transmission grid.
As an example
Conclusion and outlook
Transmission grid stability and reliability was already in
the past a key aspect for power systems. With the
development of renewable sources of energy and further
changes in the grid configuration this topic will become also
66 PRZEGLD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 91 NR 10/2015
in the future more important for safe supply of electrical
energy to the loads.
By decommissioning of existing conventional power
plants which regulate the reactive power in the grid, the
stability of the system can be affected in a negative way.
Therefore conversion from power generation unit to a
synchronous condenser is a interessting from technical and
financial point of viel alternative to the shut down of the unit.
As synchronous condenser is a rotating device it
provides also short circuit support additionaly to the reactive
power supply.
Already realized projects in Germany, Denmark, USA
and other countries show that such reconstruction can be
done in a short time.
In the future also other countries in and outside Europe
will face the same challenges and thus presented solution
shall be considered by both transmission grid authority and
power plant owners.
REFERENCES
[1] Biblis A generator stabilizes the grid as a synchronous
condenser, Reference flyer SPPA-E3000
[2] Davidson Ch., Wirta W., AES Uses Synchronous Condensers
for Grid Balancing, PowerMagazine online, 2014.01.03
[3] Frerichs D., Mechanical and electrical rebuilding of a turbine
generator for phase-shift operation, Power-Gen Europe 2013
[4] Lsing M., Schneider G., Synchronmaschine als
Phasenschieber in Biblis A, ew, Jg. 111 (2012)
Authors: Dipl. Ing. Alexander Deecke, Siemens AG Erlangen,
Power and Gas, Instrumentation and Electircal, Freyeslebenstr. 1,
91058 Erlangen, Germany, E-mail:
alexander.deecke@siemens.com; Dr. Ing. Rafael Kawecki,
Siemens AG Erlangen, Power and Gas, Instrumentation and
Electircal, Freyeslebenstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany, E-mail:
rafael.kawecki@siemens.com.